CAIRO: The Public Funds General Prosecution has disclosed new evidence in the case of 15 MPs from the People's Assembly and Shoura Council implicated in a corruption probe. The 15 MPs are being investigated for abusing their influence to exploit public funds to gain access to the health ministry's free medical treatment program. An unidentified MP from Qaliubeya, who is a member of the ruling National Democratic Party, has reportedly received tens of decrees for compensatory medical equipment on behalf of disabled patients. The prosecution found that he used the money to procure 120 special needs motorcycles, which he later sold. The investigation also revealed that another MP received hundreds of free medical treatment authorizations at a Cairo hospital, which he sold and divided the spoils between himself and senior officials at that public hospital. Furthermore, two employees at the Ministry of Health received hundreds of approvals for free medical treatment illegally. The 15 MPs, who reportedly belong to the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), the Wafd Party and the Muslim Brotherhood, could face criminal and administrative offenses for having allegedly violated the laws and regulations of the Health Ministry's free treatment program. If the allegations are confirmed, the MPs will be stripped of their parliamentary immunity and will be taken to court. According to local press reports, the NDP has received a list of the party members whose names have come up in the investigations who will be disqualified from contesting seats in the coming parliamentary elections next November. NDP MP Heidar Al-Boghdadi said that, “It is appalling to find MPs doing this because they are suppose to set an example for the people.” Other opposition and independent MPs have a different opinion. “There are many ill practices taking place inside parliament, we are glad action is being taken at last and that corruption is being exposed and being fought,” said independent MP, Gamal Zahran.
